A Fond Farewell

I am the greatest puddle chaser that’s ever lived in Tas,
Because of the attitude and all the courage that I has,
There’s not a bunny rabbit nor a possum can outrun,
This demon of the speedsters when the race has fair begun,
I’ll find them in the mulga an’ in the scrub I’ll search,
So that none of them can ever my goodly name besmirch.

Kevin, who comes here with me is forever on the look,
To make sure I do not vanish into a scrubby nook,
But I am well ahead of him an’ he knows it to be true,
For if I were to scarper there’d be a flamin’ blue.
So I’ll do me level best to scare the things away,
And carry on a walkin’ as we do so every day.

The plan is woeful easy for a dog like me to know,
We rise at six and thirty an’ make ready for the go,
We’ll head off, perhaps in his little four-wheel drive,
Or track across the paddock when the sheep will take a dive,
To let us pass unhindered and them in peace to be,
While him and me with careful eye take in all we can see.

Sometimes we venture far afield o’er hills an’ valleys green,
Sometimes we visit places that the day before we have been,
But together we are travelling like mates so often do,
A ponderin’ on the world an’ solvin’ problems new,
We work at it while marchin’ him callin’ out to me,
‘Clancy boy, where are you now, come on oh can’t you see.

It’s time for heading back and you cannot hide like that,
It’s not the world you’re looking for it’s some silly wally’s scat.
Come on you pup, you renegade, you’re a devil on four legs,
Don’t have me chase in after you it’ll be the bleeding dregs.’
So out I come as nice as pie not wishin’ for a blue,
Nor have ‘im in an apoplexy, an’ then me day to rue.

We settle down and step sedate the way back that we came,
I’ve had me fun he’s had his walk it’s really just a game,
And other things of great import are waiting to be done,
There’s jobs a plenty at the homestead it’s time they were begun,
Some folks have come to say hello an’ brought with them a dog,
I can see we’ll make it fine me an’ him as solid as a log.

We’ll share the home but not me bed nor grub I’ll give to him,
I’m keen to please an’ welcome them you know I am not dim,
But the very greatest joy I have is when I see them leave,
With throwing stick I dance about a twirling an’ a heave,
Into the air and down again I catch it in me gob,
To help them on their way I’ve learned this handy job.

It works you know for soon they’re gone with smiles and waves galore,
Leavin’ me to do me work an’ tally up the score,
But now me days are shortening an’ grindin’ to a close,
I can see round one last bend the end is comin’ I suppose,
It’s been fine to share the joys and the love they gave to me,
With him and her we were a team a team you’d rarely see.

I’ll tell you this an’ listen well for I have a bit to say,
Me time with you has just been great in each an’ every way,
I’ve done more things than any dog an’ that’s the truth to tell,
I’ve done ‘em good I’ve done ‘em smart I’ve done ‘em bloody well,
And now I’m for a well earned rest to cool me heels I’d say,
So long, adieu, farewell dear mate I knows I’m on me way.

Don’t fret old chum it aint too bad this is the way it has to be,
We all come here an’ have to go there is no other way you see,
You know dear Kev, I’d be a burden if I had to hang around,
I’ll go real quiet I promise mate without a single sound.
So say goodbye an’ have a grin, go on smile for me ,please do,
‘Cause when it comes to be your turn, I’ll do the same for you.


From Clancy, for me best mate, Kevin.
Transcribed very carefully by Adrian. 30th July, 2011.